Maria Miller, who is also the equalities minister, today tried to allay fears that teachers could be sacked for expressing traditional Christian views on marriage in opposition to same-sex ceremines.

As the Government prepares to publish its Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill, Mrs Miller emphasised that teachers will not be forced to promote a particular view of marriage and the Church of England will not be made to conduct same-sex ceremonies.

She said teachers will be able to reflect the fact that different religious groups have different approaches to the issue of homosexuality. However, they should teach in a "balanced way" regardless of any religious opposition to the new laws.

"Look, teachers are able to and entitled to express their views about same-sex marriage and there's no requirement at all for them to promote it but, obviously, we wouldn't expect teachers to be offensive or discriminate in any way about anybody," she told BBC Radio Four's Today programme.

"I think it's important to say that in the context of talking about religious belief, perhaps in a church school that, there are different views on these matters, that there are views that marriage is between a man and a woman, particularly when it comes to, say, the Church of England, the Catholic church or the Church in Wales.

"You think you always expect our teachers to teach in a balanced way and nothing' changed in that respect, but, obviously, it's important that children do know that there are different beliefs within different religious faiths."

Her comments come after the Education Secretary issued formal reassurances that teachers who hold traditional views on marriage should not be punished for refusing to promote same-sex marriage at work.

However, a senior source in Michael Gove's department said the UK was not “in control” and that the ultimate decision might “inevitably” be taken at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

David Cameron believes that gay marriage is a fundamental issue of equality and is determined to make it law.

But he is facing a backlash from within his own party and churches who believe it would undermine the institution of marriage by redefining it.

Government lawyers have devised a so-called “quadruple lock” of legal protections which they believe will prevent religious groups which do not wish to carry out such weddings being forced to do so.

But opponents claim that individual workers – such as teachers, hospital chaplains or other officials – could be dismissed legally from their jobs if they take what they consider to be a stand on grounds of conscience over the issue.